My Angelfish began breeding
or spawning by laying their
eggs on an algae cleaning tool that was in my aquarium. Because of
their choice of a breeding and spawning site, I was able to remove the tool and attempt
to raise the angelfish fry. Below is a photo gallery with thumbnail images of the spawning
and breeding process;
larger photos can be viewed by clicking.

First the angelfish clean the area for several days. This is a good
indicator of future breeding or spawning.

The
angelfish are very meticulous in assuring a clean spawning site.

The
spawning process begins with the female laying her eggs in an upward
motion. The male follows similarly and deposits the sperm,
fertilizing the eggs.

The
breeding process may take a few hours.

The "ballet" between the male
and female during the spawning process is nature at its finest.

After the eggs are placed and
fertilized, the female will "fan" them to keep fresh water flowing around
them as they develop.

This is a close-up view of the
female keeping the spawn aerated.

After the eggs are spawned,
the male generally plays "sentry" and chases off any fish that move too
close to the eggs.

The male angelfish will also
occasionally move in and fan the eggs for a brief period.

The ever vigilant male will
continue to chase off other aquarium residents.

Because of the constant
struggle of keeping other aquarium fish away, the angels may sometimes get
frustrated and eat the spawn.

Therefore it is best to
separate the eggs from the angelfish in a jar suspended in the aquarium or
in a separate jar with a heater. You must use an aerator stone to
keep fresh water flowing around the eggs.